Lanta (Ko Lanta) - the area belonging to the province of Krabi.
It is located 70 km from the city of Krabi and consists of three islands. First, Ko Klang (Ko Klang) , separated from the River River (Clong) and is connected by a car bridge, and is often mistakenly perceived as part of the mainland and part of the city of Krabi. Two other islands, larger and more populated Ko Lanta Yai , well known as simple "Lanta" or "Large Lanta") and a small island Lanta Noi (Ko Lanta Noi or "Little Lanta"), along with 50 other small islands are the National Park Mu to Lanta (134 km ² is given under the park).
In 2012, the construction of a bridge binding to Lanta Yai with a less populated island of Lanta Noah began. It seems like, must complete this year, but not yet. The construction of the bridge should lead to the gradual development of tourist objects on Lanta Noah.
In the North-West there is a large area of Nuea Khlong, in the North-East and the East, no less spacious Khlong Thom. The rest of the sides of the islands are surrounded by the waters of the Andaman Sea.
Lanta is divided into 5 subsections (tambones), which in turn are divided into 37 villages (tubans).
This area was officially registered in 1901.
Why the area is called it so - it is unclear, but perhaps the name comes from the Yavansky word "Lantas" (something related to fish). The name of the island was officially changed to Lanta in 1917. In general, this area is one of the oldest communities in Thailand - people here lived starting from the prehistoric period.
The first "discovered" for the whole world, this area of Scandinavian tourists in the 1980s, because before that, the long and thin islands in the Andaman Sea were in the shadow of Phi-Phi and Phuket Islands for many years. Since more and more tourists suffered because of crowded beaches and overpriced prices for bungalows, fame of almost empty and very beautiful lanta beaches spread with lightning speed. In the early 2000s, Lanta has already occupied a leading position in the lists of places where families, newlyweds and those who are looking for a place for privacy and meditation preferred to ride on vacation.
To Lanta Yai. In a length of 25 kilometers wide-up, it has nine attractive snow-white sandy beaches flowed throughout the west coast, and also yay is great landscapes, dense mangrove forests, hills.
Americans compare this island with their hot Florida. In the waters in the outskirts of the island - coral rapid. Therefore, the island is popular thanks to the great places for diving.
To Lanta Yai can be roughly divided into three areas:
Northwest - The most popular and vibrant part of the island: these are mid-range hotels, bars with neon signs, tattoo shops and shops on Had Klong Dao (Haad Khlong Dao), Had Phara Ae (Aka Long Beach) with its luxury hotels and Hippie -Ryon "Had Klong Hong (Haad Khlong Khong) - all these parts are separated by a handful of small beaches. With his wide asphalt road and good infrastructure, the Northwest will be a good choice for those who want to meet, have fun and hang out. Others may consider this area too crowded tourists or even somewhat ordinary.
South Part Klong Hong . This area includes a beautiful and conveniently located Haad Khlong Nin and more distant JSC Kantiang, Haad Khlong Jak and Ao Mai Pai, along with several small beaches and part of the National Park, located furthest to the south.
This part of the Lanta is suitable for those who are looking for a secluded or romantic vacation. Something this part resembles Bali - here also often there are yoga, fans of a call, here are the villas in the Balinese style and a narrow asphalt road, which goes along the sea and leads to a green hill.
Three roads with solid covered will lead you to the south of Lanta (Little Lanta) - this region covers everything The most picturesque and "unfortunate" eastern shores of Lanta. Here you will find mangroves in the north, the historic Old Town in the center, and the Village of the Tribe Lavoy (Sang Kha-U), the farms for breeding shrimps, fishing villages in the south.
In this area, you can find excellent guest houses, but many still prefer to stop on the west coast and take one-day trips to the eastern part. This part is enforced charming, untouched, in places undeveloped, wild - it is scary to manit tourists.
No matter where you decide to stop, most likely, to start you will arrive in Baan Saladan. - Port at the northern point to Lanta.
This once-little fishing village has become a full-scale tourist city with ATMs, banks, internet cafes, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, mini markets and retail space. And here are sold, perhaps, one of the cheapest foods on the island.
As I already wrote above, Lanta is both beaches, and mountains, and forests. If there is something that forced you to get out of a hammock on the beach, then this reason can be a walk to the park with an old lighthouse, located on the top of the cliffs of white color, provides one of the most dazzling beautiful species that you ever either meet in Thailand.
In Lanta, you will find a pair of stadiums for Thai boxing, three culinary schools, site show, elephant nursery . Bars here, of course, not Pattaya, but local residents and imagine could not at the end of the 90s that they will appear here.
The islanders generally love to complain that the tourism industry brought some kind of "influx of greed, which threatens the traditional dimension lifestyle of the island. Although I personally think that is still ahead. In addition, on the mainland near Lanta are going to build some power plants, so that construction will definitely affect Lanta, and all this will threaten the national park and kill marine inhabitants. So, enjoy the paradise, until late. Once again, Four of the best beaches of Lanta - Klong Dao (Khlong Dao) Phra Ae (Phra AE), Khlong Khong (Khlong Khong) and Klong Ning (Khlong Nin) - You can relate to rest, even in the peak of the season. Southern beaches away, such as Jo Cantiang (JSC Kantiang) It was possible to maintain a secluded and romantic atmosphere.
In short, despite all sorts of and fast changes, Lanta still remains a fantastic choice for everyone, from family with children to hippie with a minimum budget.